TODAY the Daily Echo is calling on the Southampton public to help keep a vital lifeline going for people who are living in the grip of a cruel and debilitating illness.

It is estimated that 2,300 people in the city are living with dementia, a condition which robs those who suffer from it of their memories and ultimately their independence.

Since setting up in 2014 the Forget-me-knot gardening group has given some of those people hope and more importantly time where they can feel a little freer from the grip of the illness.

Gardening may not sound like a life-changing activity but for those who attend the group it has given them much needed independence, purpose and friendship.

As a result of the sessions members have seen real improvements in their own lives, having felt the benefits of the fresh air, exercise and companionship that the group brings.

And it gives their carers, often family members, a much needed break from their caring role.

But now that is under threat as the group looks set to fold at the end of the month unless vital funding is found.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, an emergency appeal has been launched to raise £10,000 by the end of the month in a bid to save the group. And this paper is firmly behind that drive. We are calling on the public to donate whatever they can to the group in order to ensure it stays afloat.

Daily Echo:

PICTURED: The dementia gardening group at Maytree Nurseries, Mayfield Park, Weston Lane

The £10,000 target will cover the costs of specially trained staff to run the group as well as resources for the members to use throughout the year.

Since the paper ran the story highlighting the group’s plight, money has started to come in.

Almost £1,000 has been raised towards the target, but the group is well short of what it needs to keep going – and time is running out.

Rachel Hampton, nursery manager said: "We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from readers of the Daily Echo and the public towards our emergency appeal. Thank you so very much for your generous support. Every penny we raise really will bring us one step closer to saving the group."

The group has also won the support of saints legend Lawrie McMenemy, who read about the groups plight in the Daily Echo.

He said: “Most people will know of someone who has been affected by dementia. Groups like this are so very important in helping give those who suffer with the condition a purpose.

“It is quite a unique group, as I understand with what they do so for the people who go there it is vitally important it keeps going.

“Knowing the Southampton public as I do, I know they would want to support a group like this and that is why i am calling on them to do what they can to donate something to this group.”

  • If you are able to help support the appeal visit www.justgiving.com/Mayfield-Nurseries/ or call 023 8044 7743.
  • If you are planning a fundraiser or are from a business who would like to donate something to the group, contact Sian Davies on 023 8042 4504 or email sian.davies@dailyecho.co.uk.